The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Bashir Ahmad, a former Special Assistant on Digital Communication to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The suit, submitted to the High Court of Enugu State, accuses Ahmad of making libellous statements that portrayed Kanu as a terrorist.
Kanu, represented by his legal team led by Special Counsel Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, claims that Ahmad made defamatory remarks on January 19, 2025, through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The statement was later republished on platforms like Talkofnaija.com and phoenix-browser.com.
Ahmad reportedly described Kanu as a terrorist and declared that anyone advocating for his release should be considered “a sworn enemy of this country.”
Ahmad’s post on X further stated that he would only support Kanu’s release if the IPOB leader underwent rehabilitation and renounced his controversial views about Nigeria, including referring to the country as a “zoo.”
In response, Kanu filed a suit seeking N100 billion in damages for what he called a “grave libel” against his character.
He argued that the statements falsely implied he was a convicted terrorist, a violent person, and someone who disregards the sanctity of human life and legal procedures.
According to Kanu, the publications caused significant harm to his reputation and integrity, bringing him public humiliation and contempt.
Kanu also demanded a court declaration that Ahmad’s statements were defamatory, an order for an unreserved apology to be published in three national newspapers—The Sun, Daily Trust, and The Guardian—and a perpetual injunction to prevent Ahmad from making further defamatory statements.
Additionally, Kanu requested that Ahmad cover the legal costs of the suit.
The IPOB leader emphasized that the alleged defamation has caused him emotional and reputational damage, as millions worldwide, particularly in Nigeria and Enugu, have been exposed to the statements.
He maintained that the remarks went beyond fair comment and were maliciously intended to harm his character.
The case underscores the ongoing legal and political controversies surrounding Kanu, who has been a prominent figure advocating for Biafra’s independence.
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